Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the shield was an essential piece of military equipment, serving as a primary means of defense in battle. The shield is frequently mentioned in the Bible, both in literal and metaphorical contexts, symbolizing protection, faith, and God's providence.Physical Description and Use: The shield was typically made from wood, leather, or metal, and its size and shape varied. Some shields were large enough to cover the entire body, while others were smaller and more maneuverable. The shield was used to deflect arrows, spears, and other weapons, providing a crucial line of defense for soldiers in combat. Biblical References: The Bible contains numerous references to shields, often highlighting their importance in warfare. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:7, the shield-bearer of Goliath is mentioned, illustrating the role of shields in ancient military strategy. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 22:31, David declares, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him." Symbolic Meaning: Beyond its physical use, the shield holds significant symbolic meaning in Scripture. It often represents God's protection and faithfulness. In Genesis 15:1, God tells Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." This assurance of divine protection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The shield is also a metaphor for faith in the New Testament. Ephesians 6:16 instructs believers to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Here, faith acts as a spiritual defense against the attacks of Satan, emphasizing the believer's reliance on God's strength and promises. Covenantal Protection: The concept of God as a shield is closely tied to the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 33:29, Moses blesses Israel, saying, "Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword." This highlights the unique protection and favor that God extends to His covenant people. Psalms and Worship: The Psalms frequently depict God as a shield, reflecting the trust and reliance of the psalmists on divine protection. Psalm 3:3 states, "But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head." Such expressions of faith and dependence on God are central to the worship and spiritual life of the Israelites. Conclusion: The shield, both as a physical object and a powerful symbol, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative. It underscores themes of protection, faith, and the covenantal relationship between God and His people, serving as a reminder of the divine defense available to those who trust in the Lord. Smith's Bible Dictionary ShieldThe ordinary shield consisted of a framework of wood covered with leather; it thus admitted of being burnt. (Ezekiel 39:9) It was frequently cased with metal, either brass or copper; its appearance in this case resembled gold when the sun shone on it, 1 Macc. 6:39 and to this, rather than to the practice of smearing blood on the shield we may refer the redness noticed by. Nahum. (Nahum 2:3) The surface of the shield was kept bright by the application of oil as implied in (Isaiah 21:5) The shield was worn on the left arm, to which it was attached by a strap. Shields of state were covered with beaten gold. Shields were suspended about public buildings for ornamental purposes. (1 Kings 10:17) In the metaphorical language of the Bible the shield generally represents the protection of God: e.g. (Psalms 3:3; 28:7) but in (Psalms 47:9) it is applied to earthly rulers and in (Ephesians 6:18) to faith. [ARMS, ARMOR] ATS Bible Dictionary ShieldA piece of defensive armor. God is often called the shield of his people, Genesis 15:1 Psalm 5:12 84:11, as are also princes and great men, 2 Samuel 1:21 Psalm 47:9. See ARMOR. Easton's Bible Dictionary Used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material (1 Samuel 17:7; 2 Samuel 1:21; 1 Kings 10:17; 1 Chronicles 12:8, 24, 34; Isaiah 22:6; Ezek. 39:9; Nahum 2:3).Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 33:20; 84:11). Faith is compared to a shield (Ephesians 6:16). Shields were usually "anointed" (Isaiah 21:5), in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A broad piece of defensive armor, carried on the arm, -- formerly in general use in war, for the protection of the body. See Buckler.2. (n.) Anything which protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection. 3. (n.) Figuratively, one who protects or defends. 4. (n.) In lichens, a Hardened cup or disk surrounded by a rim and containing the fructification, or asci. 5. (n.) The escutcheon or field on which are placed the bearings in coats of arms. Cf. Lozenge. 6. (n.) A framework used to protect workmen in making an a ditch under ground, and capable of being pushed along as excavation progresses. 7. (n.) A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield. 8. (n.) A coin, the old French crown, or ecu, having on one side the figure of a shield. 9. (n.) To cover with, or as with, a shield; to cover from danger; to defend; to protect from assault or injury. 10. (n.) To ward off; to keep off or out. 11. (n.) To avert, as a misfortune; hence, as a supplicatory exclamation, forbid! International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIELDsheld. Greek 2375. thureos -- a shield ... a shield. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: thureos Phonetic Spelling: (thoo-reh-os') Short Definition: a large shield Definition: the heavy ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2375.htm - 7k 785. aspis -- an asp Strong's Hebrew 4043. magen -- a shieldmagen or meginnah. 4042, 4043. magen or meginnah. 4044 . a shield. Transliteration: magen or meginnah Phonetic Spelling: (maw-gane') Short Definition: shield ... /hebrew/4043.htm - 6k 6793c. tsinnah -- (large) shield 7982. shelet -- perhaps shield 6793. tsinnah -- probably a hook, barb 3591. kidon -- a dart, javelin 5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take 4042. magan -- to deliver up, deliver 5507. socherah -- a buckler Library The Shield of Faith A Challenge and a Shield M. Anonymous. The Broken Shield. "The Lord God is a Sun and Shield. " Ps. 84. If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ... All Sufficiency The Word that Scatters Fear Obscure Passages are to be Interpreted by those which are Clearer. And in the Same Way Other Objects are not Single in their ... Psalm XXXV. Thesaurus Shield (65 Occurrences)... 84:11). Faith is compared to a shield (Ephesians 6:16). Shields ... 7. (n.) A spot resembling, or having the form of, a shield. 8. (n.) A ... /s/shield.htm - 28k Shield-bearer (2 Occurrences) Shield-carrier (1 Occurrence) Buckler (19 Occurrences) Shields (44 Occurrences) Arms (166 Occurrences) Armour (32 Occurrences) Target (14 Occurrences) Helmet (10 Occurrences) Feathers (9 Occurrences) Resources What is the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the full armor of God? | GotQuestions.org What is the Star of David and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Shield: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shield (65 Occurrences)Ephesians 6:16 Genesis 15:1 Exodus 40:3 Deuteronomy 13:8 Deuteronomy 33:29 Judges 5:8 1 Samuel 17:7 1 Samuel 17:41 1 Samuel 17:45 2 Samuel 1:21 2 Samuel 22:3 2 Samuel 22:31 2 Samuel 22:36 1 Kings 10:16 1 Kings 10:17 2 Kings 19:32 1 Chronicles 5:18 1 Chronicles 12:8 1 Chronicles 12:24 1 Chronicles 12:34 2 Chronicles 9:15 2 Chronicles 9:16 2 Chronicles 14:8 2 Chronicles 17:17 2 Chronicles 25:5 Job 15:26 Job 39:23 Psalms 3:3 Psalms 5:12 Psalms 7:10 Psalms 18:2 Psalms 18:30 Psalms 18:35 Psalms 28:7 Psalms 33:20 Psalms 35:2 Psalms 59:11 Psalms 76:3 Psalms 84:9 Psalms 84:11 Psalms 89:18 Psalms 91:4 Psalms 115:9 Psalms 115:10 Psalms 115:11 Psalms 119:114 Psalms 144:2 Proverbs 2:7 Proverbs 30:5 Isaiah 21:5 Isaiah 22:6 Isaiah 31:5 Isaiah 37:33 Jeremiah 46:3 Jeremiah 46:9 Ezekiel 23:24 Ezekiel 26:8 Ezekiel 27:10 Ezekiel 38:4 Ezekiel 38:5 Ezekiel 39:9 Nahum 2:3 Nahum 2:5 Zechariah 9:15 Zechariah 12:8 Subtopics Shield: Covered when not in Use Shield: Different Kinds of, Designated As Buckler, Shield, Target Shield: Made of Brass (Bronze) Shield: Stored in the Tabernacle Shield: Uzziah Equipped the People of Israel With Related Terms |
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